NBC had high expectations for their new Thursday night action drama, The Player. Unfortunately, the ratings have not been good and the network has now cut the show’s episode order. Has the series already been cancelled or does it still have a shot at being renewed for a second season next year?
Set in Las Vegas, The Player follows a huge game in which world events are predicted, gambled upon and influenced by a shadowy elite. Controlling the game is the “The Pitt Boss,” a mysterious Mr. Johnson (Wesley Snipes). “The Dealer” is Cassandra (Charity Wakefield) and she recruits rogue FBI agent Alex Kane (Philip Winchester). As “The Player”, Alex is driven by the need to find out who killed his wife. Damon Gupton also stars.
Debuting on September 24th, The Player got off to a poor start in the ratings, averaging a 1.16 rating in the 18-49 demographic with 4.86 million viewers. The second episode’s numbers were even worse with the installment drawing a 0.95 in the demo and 4.58 million.
Week three’s numbers were worse and then the series hit new lows in week four with a 0.74 demo and 3.99 million. Last week’s episode did a little bit better but the numbers were frankly still terrible.
To be fair, The Player has had to contend with tough competition from NFL football games and ABC’s highly rated How to Get Away with Murder. Unfortunately, NBC doesn’t seem to be cutting this series any slack. While NBC’s Blindspot has received a full season order, the network has cut the The Player’s order down to nine episodes.
They’ve also already committed the show’s timeslot to other programming. In the new year, the Thursdays at 10pm timeslot will be taken over by new series Shades of Blue starring Jennifer Lopez and Ray Liotta.
Though NBC has not officially cancelled The Player yet, the ratings are so bad that it’s as good as cancelled. Barring a miracle and sudden upturn in the ratings, there’s just no way the network execs will want to order any more episodes.
But, what do you think? Have you been enjoying The Player TV series? Do you think it should be cancelled or saved and given more time to prove itself?
The show needs to be renewed. It is better than many other shows. I agree with other comments, we tape and watch when we have time.
I love the show. I had to record all of the episodes but were able to go back and watch them later. This show is too good to cancel. NBC needs to reconsider this choice. I have told all of my friends that they are missing out if they haven’t seen it and several of them are watching it ON Demand.
We like the show… Keep it alive….we watch it on Demand….
u need to give more time this show is good we tape it if football is on that all should be counted in u networks put Christie knows best,wife swap, who cares how other people live or their problems . keep it on
Only saw one episode and was eagerly looking forward to seeing “The Player” again. We searched but were unable to locate station and time and are very disappointed to learn that it is in jeopardy. In comparison, we are not convinced that the replacements NBC is considering would be of interest.
This show is GREAT…esp PHILIP WINCHESTER, who could easily be the next BOND now that DANIEL CRAIG has decided that he is done with the movies. His role in STRIKE BACK proved that he is good at what he does…and NBC has to either give this show a longer chance, or find a better time slot! In the past…many shows and series became hits when viewers caught the show as reruns…when other series (or football games) were over. American TV doesn’t seem to do this any more…its all about selling commercials!
I think they need to put it at another time. It’s a great show! Open your eyes NBC! This is so disappointing.
SERIOUSLY??!! the most hideous shows get 10 seasons and the good wans are canceled after one season….that’s just ********. Wesley Snipes and Philip Winchester in one show and u idiots cancel the show ….
I like this show. NBC just need to find the spot for the show. Maybe Saturday at the same time slot. There no NFL and maybe 1 -3 college football game still on at that time slot. Also they should bring in some characters or cast from Las Vegas tv show. Like James Caan, Josh Duhamel etc etc. Because we never got closure from that show either.
“The Player” is an exciting action packed show that I loved to watch. It has stiff competition on Thursday nite but should not be canceled. It should be moved to Friday nite or Saturday nite.
I like this show, it’s way better than blind spot.
You at the next work need to give the show a fighting chance & not suicide the show by putting it up against well establish institution like the NFL or chic juke food like how 2get away with murder. find a time slot that does not have veteran television programming. # THE PLAYER’S LIFE MATTERS. lol
One of my favorite shows!! They shouldn’t cancel it. Give it a chance on a different night.
If this show had earlier time and different night from football it would bring in more viewers it’s a exciting new and different show and deserves a chance!
Of all of the shows to cancel, this is not the one!!!
This show is getting better and better. SO hope the network changes their minds.
Got that right.
Put it someplace else besides a competing slot with NFL football…give it a real chance. It is innovative and compelling…not the usual mindless drivel…